Ferguson plays down talk of Rooney move

Rooney’s future has once again become the topic of intense speculation after a leading commentator in France claimed the 27-year-old’s move to PSG was “a done deal”.

It has hardly helped that Rooney has been played out of position by Ferguson recently, and did not look happy at West Ham on Wednesday when he was replaced by Ryan Giggs 19 minutes from time.

Previously, Ferguson has insisted Rooney would still be at Old Trafford next season and he certainly does not expect him to be in France.

“I don’t think there is anything in that at all,” he said.

Not that Ferguson could shed any light on when proposed talks over a new contract, which are due to open this summer, are likely to begin.

“I couldn’t tell you about that,” he said.

It is hard to see how the speculation surrounding Rooney’s future will cease until a contract extension is actually signed.

Robin van Persie’s contribution for United this term, underlined by his nomination for the PFA Player of the Year award, has proved the wisdom of his summer arrival. In addition, Ferguson has different forward options in Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck, whilst Shinji Kagawa hinted at what he might be able to contribute on a regular basis next season with an outstanding cameo at Upton Park. And with continuing links to Robert Lewandowski and Radamel Falcao, it is no surprise there should be such wonder about where Rooney fits in.

“As far as taking him off the other night is concerned, it was simple – he wasn’t playing as well as Shinji (Kagawa) was,” said Ferguson.

“In so many games Wayne Rooney is better than most but we had to get the goal that mattered and on the night Shinji was playing well.”

Meanwhile Ashley Young will miss the Premier League encounter with Aston Villa on Monday after being ruled out for the remainder of the campaign with an ankle injury.

Paul Scholes (knee) is also out, although Ferguson reports no fresh injury concerns after Wednesday’s bruising encounter at West Ham.